Rotary Power, part of the British Engines Group, has invested over £3 million in an automated DMG Mori machining cell that has been installed at the company’s manufacturing facility in South Shields. The automated capability offered by the new cell has improved Rotary Power’s manufacturing efficiency by reducing the set-up time by 87.5% and average cycle times by 33%.

Measuring 19 x 10m, the customised cell consists of an automated robot travelling between two machining centres via a 13m track. The robot ‘automatically loads and unloads parts, sets the machines and collects completed products’.

The cell is primarily used to manufacture components for Rotary Power’s range of hydraulic motors and pumps. The cell is improving quality and reducing wastage; it also standardises the length of time each tool is used by assigning a tool life, thereby removing set-up variations, improving consistency and reducing wastage on consumable items.

Ian McGeorge, Rotary Power’s manufacturing manager, who has been leading the project, said: “The addition of the new cell represents an exciting time for the company as it has allowed us to position ourselves more competitively within the market by improving our quality and reducing costs.

“A huge effort has been made by the team at Rotary Power to prepare for the implementation of the new cell and we look forward to seeing the positive impact that this investment will have on the business.”

Headquartered in the UK, Rotary Power has three subsidiaries in the USA, Germany and India, as well as a worldwide network of distributors and agents.